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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Rochester has an estimated 3,691 residents, down from 4,016 at the 2021 Census — a change of 325 people, or 8.1%. The population has thinned by an average 1.5% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. Density is about 11 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population count for Rochester stands at approximately 3,691 in May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,016 residents, this represents a contraction of 325 people, or 8.1%. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 3,691 from June 2025 alongside 15 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population size results in a density of 10.5 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The main factor supporting the local population was overseas migration, which served as the primary contributor to population increases during recent times.
AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 localities missing from this dataset, projections are derived from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA releases, adjusted by weighting and aggregating population changes from the LGA level to the SA2 level. The age structure growth trends calculated from these aggregations are applied to all regions for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic patterns, the region is projected to experience population expansion exceeding the national non-metropolitan median, with an expected gain of 415 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, translating to an overall growth rate of 11.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
46 new dwellings have been approved in Rochester over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 2.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 9, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Rochester averages approximately 9 residential building approvals annually, with a total of 46 homes authorized over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 9 approvals recorded during FY-26 to date. Given the recent population decline, this level of construction activity has been relatively sufficient, which benefits prospective buyers, with new residential projects averaging an estimated construction cost of $314,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals worth $4.0 million have been documented in the current financial year, highlighting that the locality remains predominantly residential. Rochester generates approximately 64% of the per capita residential construction activity seen across the Rest of Vic., placing it in the 49th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide, which restricts choices for buyers while supporting demand for established properties, even though building volumes have risen recently.
This construction level sits below the national average, reflecting the established character of the area and indicating possible planning controls. Moreover, recent building approvals consist entirely of detached houses, preserving the traditional low-density profile of the neighborhood and focusing on spacious family residences. The ratio of 387 people per approved dwelling highlights a quiet development sector with low construction activity. Demographic projections indicate that Rochester will add 415 inhabitants by 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current building rates remain unchanged, the delivery of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and supporting upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rochester
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 75 current infrastructure and development projects close to Rochester, worth an estimated $3.39 billion. 29 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes in local infrastructure projects and planning programs significantly affect regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 major projects expected to influence this locality. The main projects of relevance include the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade, the Shepparton Line Upgrade, the Water and Sewer Network Program, and the Regional Housing Fund, with the key details listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
McMahon's Place Estate
Master-planned residential community delivering over 1,000 homes across more than 100 hectares of former farmland in Echuca West. Lots range from 480 to 800 sqm. The estate features 6.9 hectares of open space including parks, wetlands, walking tracks, playgrounds, and a full-sized sports oval. Smart home features include fibre optic NBN. Civil works on Stages 1 and 2 commenced August 2025 with land titles expected late 2026. The project is expected to increase Echuca's housing stock by over 10% and inject $1.6 billion into the regional economy.
Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade
Completed $176 million rail upgrade (part of the $4 billion Regional Rail Revival program) delivering three new stations at Goornong, Huntly and Raywood, track and signalling upgrades enabling speeds up to 130 km/h (Epsom-Goornong) and 100 km/h (Goornong-Echuca), a new Electronic Train Order system, 10 upgraded level crossings with improved detection, and tripled weekday services to Echuca. Passengers save up to 12 minutes on journeys, with additional savings from timetable changes in late 2023.
Yallarah Estate
Yallarah is a landmark 142-hectare masterplanned community in Echuca West by Wel.Co, designed to deliver over 2,000 homesites. Civil construction has officially commenced. It features lot sizes from 420sqm to 2,000sqm, a future early learning centre, a large display village, and extensive outdoor lifestyle amenities including walking and cycling paths near the Murray River.
Echuca Regional Health Infrastructure Upgrade
Major upgrade to Echuca Regional Health facilities including new emergency department, expanded surgical facilities, and improved patient accommodation.
Echuca-Moama Bridge Project
The largest transport infrastructure project in northern Victoria completed in 2022. A second bridge crossing connecting Echuca and Moama via the Campaspe and Murray rivers with new 4.5km walking and cycling pathway.
AFL Breaking New Ground - St Joseph's College Echuca
MCG-sized oval facility at St Joseph's College Kildare Campus with 100 lux lighting, primarily for Australian rules football. Partnership between AFL Victoria and Echuca Junior Football Club.
Kilkerrin Lakes Estate
Completed residential estate featuring established homes around constructed lakes with recreational facilities and landscaped parklands.
Victoria Park Multipurpose Community and Emergency Relief Centre
Redevelopment of Victoria Park in Echuca into a multipurpose community and emergency relief centre. Features a 400-seat accessible grandstand, community facility with change rooms, function space (250 seated/400 standing), emergency relief centre with companion animal shelter, 99kW solar system, upgraded playground and sealed car parking. The entire facility, including the new community building and emergency relief centre, was officially opened on 29 November 2025.
1,710 residents of Rochester are employed, from a labour force of 1,754. Unemployment sits at 2.5%, with participation at 55.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and industrial occupations, with a notable presence in manufacturing and production fields, an unemployment rate of only 2.5%, and an annual employment expansion estimated at 2.2%. In March 2026, 1,710 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than the Regional Vic. benchmark of 3.7%, though labor force participation remains low at 55.7% compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic. Census data indicated that only 12.2% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.
The primary employment fields for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The region exhibits a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which claims a workforce share 2.3 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety is underrepresented, employing only 2.7% of the local workforce compared to 6.5% across Regional Vic.. The balance between the local working population and resident workers suggests a shortage of local employment opportunities. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS figures, the period through March 2026 saw employment grow by 2.2% while the labour force expanded by 3.2%, which led to an increase in unemployment of 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.1% drop in employment and a 0.3% reduction in the labour force, accompanied by a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context regarding anticipated future demand in Rochester. These outlooks span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid with local employment data to project growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sectoral growth varies considerably. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Rochester's employment composition, local employment is estimated to grow by 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Rochester is $1,166 a week (about $61,000 a year), with median personal income at $606 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,664 a year against an average of $53,008. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Rochester SA2 sit below the national average, with a recorded median income of $45,664 and an average of $53,008. This is lower than the figures for Regional Vic., which show a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current income estimates for March 2026 are approximately $50,057 for the median and $58,107 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in Rochester between the 11th and 12th percentiles nationwide.
The records show that 27.7% of residents (1,022 people) earn between $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with metropolitan areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest at 30.3%. Even though housing expenses are relatively low, leaving residents with 89.8% of their income, total disposable income falls in the 17th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Rochester had 1,570 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 30% are owned with a mortgage, 19% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $213 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,122 a month. Rent absorbs 18.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential properties in Rochester consist of 94.2% separate houses and 5.8% other dwelling structures such as apartments or semi-detached homes, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic.. The rate of outright home ownership in Rochester is high at 50.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (30.3%) or tenants renting (19.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality is $1,122, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent is $213, compared to the regional average of $285.
Nationally, mortgage costs in Rochester are below the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Rochester counted 1,570 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 67.2%, which is composed of couples with children at 22.8%, couples without children at 33.3%, and single parent households at 9.7%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.8%, with single-person households at 30.0% and group housing making up 2.8%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.7% of adults in Rochester hold a university qualification, including 9.2% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 83% of areas nationally. A further 29.5% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 583 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 964 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present challenges in the area, with the university qualification rate of 12.7% sitting below the VIC average of 33.4%. This highlights both a difficulty and a focus area for future educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees account for 9.2%, graduate diplomas make up 2.1%, and postgraduate qualifications represent 1.4%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, split between advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificate qualifications at 29.5%. Enrolment levels are high, with 26.2% of the local population engaged in study.
This group is distributed between primary education at 10.8%, secondary education at 8.2%, and higher education at 1.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Rochester means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local transit network shows 23 active public transport stops in Rochester, consisting of train connections. These locations are served by 5 distinct routes, which provide a total of 92 passenger trips per week. Local transit access is moderate, with residents living an average of 451 meters from the nearest stop. The town is mostly residential, meaning most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 92%, and 6% of commuters walking. The average number of motor vehicles per dwelling is 1.7, which is higher than the regional average.
A low share of 12.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been impacted by pandemic conditions. Service frequency averages 13 runs per day across the route network, which represents approximately 4 trips weekly per individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.2% of residents in Rochester report no long-term health condition. 8.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Rochester align closely with national averages according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and disease prevalence, with general health issues appearing standard for the population, though higher among older age brackets, and private health insurance coverage is low at 46% of the population (~1,708 people). This compares to a coverage level of 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 12.1% and 9.5% of the population, respectively, while 59.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic..
The working-age cohort experiences some health difficulties, with higher rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up 30.9% of the population (1,142 people), compared to 23.9% across Regional Vic.. Seniors face some health challenges, though these rank lower on a national scale than the broader local community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Rochester is largely Australian-born, at 94.0% of residents, with 2.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.4%) and English (34.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 91.1% of residents, 94.0% of the population born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 54.7%, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Rochester are Australian at 35.4% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 29.6%, English at 34.7%, and Irish at 10.2%. There are also differences in other groups: Scottish ancestry is represented at 8.0% (compared to 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.2% (compared to 1.7%), and Macedonian at 0.1% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Rochester is 50, older than 91% of areas nationally. 17.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Rochester has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 15.8% compared to Regional Vic., while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 7.6%. This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 14.5% to 15.8%, whereas the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 11.4% to 10.2%.
Demographic projections show that the local age profile will shift by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 110 people (25%) from 437 to 548, while the 5 to 14 and 75 to 84 cohorts are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Rochester
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 15 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,016 at the 2021 Census → 3,691 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (216011409). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.